How To Make Shell Soup
This cozy and nostalgic shell soup is a simple yet satisfying dish made with toasted shell pasta, tomato sauce, beef bouillon, and cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this one-pot meal is rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups shell pasta uncooked
- 2 tablespoons oil olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 –5 cups water as needed
- ½ cup grated cheese cheddar or Parmesan, plus extra for serving
Instructions
Toast the Pasta
- In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked shell pasta and stir continuously until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant. This toasting process enhances the flavor of the soup and prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft when cooked in the broth.
Incorporate Tomato Sauce and Water
- Once the pasta is evenly toasted, pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta before adding approximately 4–5 cups of water, filling the saucepan about three-quarters full. Mix thoroughly to ensure the tomato sauce is evenly distributed.
Add Seasonings and Bouillon Cubes
- Drop the beef bouillon cubes into the liquid, allowing them to dissolve completely. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, onion salt, and garlic salt to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly blended. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Pasta
- Allow the soup to simmer for approximately 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should become tender but still retain its shape. If the soup thickens too much during cooking, add a small amount of water to adjust the consistency.
Incorporate the Cheese
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt into the broth. Mix gently until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and slightly creamy texture.
Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls while hot. Garnish with additional grated cheese if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
To make this shell soup gluten-free, simply substitute the regular shell pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative, such as chickpea, rice, or lentil shells. Additionally, ensure that the beef bouillon cubes used are certified gluten-free, as some varieties contain wheat-based additives. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook more quickly and can become overly soft if left to simmer for too long.